Workout log

Friday, November 13

When you are on look for your next read and hear about a book with Nazi and German's, a girl and so on..it least interests you. But when you are told that the narrator of the Story is "DEATH", you surely want to grab hold of the book.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I was astound and vehement when I heard about who was the narrator and at the same time excited to get that book. Thanks to a friend, I got it at once.

The protagonist of the story is a 9 year old girl Liesel Meminger, the book thief. After her brother's death, she arrives in German in a distraught state at the home of her new foster parents Hans and Rosa Hubermann.

A childhood around war, Nazi Party, Hitler, Jews, Germany and a self-discovery as a book thief is well written by the author. It has a simple story, but the way it is narrated had a huge impact.

Liesel understands her situation, she is very considerate and a respectful girl. When you see the story through her eyes, it looks so innocent even though the war times are very brutal. Hans Hubermann is a talented accordionist, however a painter by profession. Not so talented when it comes to excelling in crowd, he always finds himself a step back. Hans is a loving and affectionate person and becomes a main source of strength and support to Liesel. He teaches her how to read and write.

Rosa Hubermann is strict and likes to be in control of everything all the time. Rosa appears to be a complete opposite of what Hans is, however within, she at times is mild and compassionate. In spite angry nature of Rosa, Liesel likes her and she respects her.

Rudy is Liesel's neighbor and friend. They study in the same class and play football. They too share a great story throughout in the book.

Another interesting character in the book is Max. He is a Jew and he takes shelter at Hans's during difficult times. And the Hubermann's accept his stay inspite of the huge risk of Nazi. There is an interesting turn of events within the family due to Max's arrival. He, hiding in their basement, Liesel keeping his secret, reading to him, explaining him the weather outside and the bonding between the family and Hubermann is very well put by the author.

With all the people surrounding Liesel and all the awful events happening around her, she has this passion for reading. She wants to get hold of the books at her disposal and sometimes stealing is an option. She however, is not greedy. A book at a time, she is the Book thief.

About the book
1) If you are a hardcore fiction lover and want a lot of drama, this book is not for you.
2) The book is very simple, straight, very nice narration and makes the reader very emotional.
3) The book keeps you wondering all the time. The events are not that predictable however, they are not either wonderful. So don't expect a happy ending.
4) The narrator is "Death", so accept the book with a pinch of salt.

Thursday, November 5

I was browsing YouTube when I stumbled upon this video where the chef showed the hole in one's recipe. I wasn't sure if that is what it is called, I googled and the best name of the dish turned out to be "Egg-in-a-Hole". Being a very simple dish with minimum ingredients, and a super healthy breakfast, I had to try it, of course with a twist.

Below are the pictures of how it turned out. The twist however was, I added cheese and a pinch of coriander.

Egg in a Hole

The recipe is quite simple. Have a brown bread slice ready and use a cup with sharp edges to cut through the center of the bread. Apply some butter to it and then toast it on the non stick pan for some time. Keep an egg ready and break it in the hole of the bread. Cover the Pan for some time. I like the yolk punctured, so I used a fork to scramble it a little. After some time, when you feel the egg has started to cook, turn your bread slice and let it cook again for some time. Meanwhile, add a slice of cheese to the bread and cover the pan. Add a pinch of Coriander for taste. (I wanted to have a color when I would photograph, so added coriander to it.)